New to bikes, recommend me a bike for under $400
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
New to bikes, recommend me a bike for under $400
Hello y’all, new to cycling and was wondering what bikes would you recommend for under $400? I’ve been using my cousins bike (geared) and my friends and I have been doing 20+ miles on this bike path. It’s a flat surface with only 1 hills that is not steep. The bike could be single/fixed or even gears. All are welcome, thanks!
Edit: I was wondering the Retrospec Harper single gear because it’s cheap and around my price range but I don’t know if they are good ride for 20+ miles.
Edit: I was wondering the Retrospec Harper single gear because it’s cheap and around my price range but I don’t know if they are good ride for 20+ miles.
Last edited by MyDisplayName; 10-07-20 at 07:03 PM.
#5
On Your Left
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
Posts: 8,373
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3004 Post(s)
Liked 2,433 Times
in
1,187 Posts
$400.. pretty much that's a "toy store" or Walmart bike. Not that it won't have 2 wheels and pedals but the quality will be lacking. Also there is a shortage of bikes, so you'd get a better bike if you can find one used or maybe a police auction.
If you can push your budget to $700 there are some decent bikes in that price range and the level of quality will be much higher. Stay away from anything with suspension, you don't need it and it adds complexity and takes away from everything else.
If you can push your budget to $700 there are some decent bikes in that price range and the level of quality will be much higher. Stay away from anything with suspension, you don't need it and it adds complexity and takes away from everything else.
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
$400.. pretty much that's a "toy store" or Walmart bike. Not that it won't have 2 wheels and pedals but the quality will be lacking. Also there is a shortage of bikes, so you'd get a better bike if you can find one used or maybe a police auction.
If you can push your budget to $700 there are some decent bikes in that price range and the level of quality will be much higher. Stay away from anything with suspension, you don't need it and it adds complexity and takes away from everything else.
If you can push your budget to $700 there are some decent bikes in that price range and the level of quality will be much higher. Stay away from anything with suspension, you don't need it and it adds complexity and takes away from everything else.
#7
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,222
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1350 Post(s)
Liked 1,245 Times
in
623 Posts
Go Used
https://boston.craigslist.org/d/bicycles/search/bia
$200
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bi...210070466.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/d/bicycles/search/bia
$200
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bi...210070466.html
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
Likes For 10 Wheels:
#10
Senior Member
I'm not sure if google only appears on my browser so here's some help:
https://buyinghack.com/best-hybrid-b...r-400-dollars/
https://www.mountainbikeslab.com/mountain-bikes-400/
https://99spokes.com/bikes?category=...ain&price=-400
https://buyinghack.com/best-hybrid-b...r-400-dollars/
https://www.mountainbikeslab.com/mountain-bikes-400/
https://99spokes.com/bikes?category=...ain&price=-400
#11
Live Healthy
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 417
Bikes: Wabi Classic
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 183 Post(s)
Liked 137 Times
in
92 Posts
Hello y’all, new to cycling and was wondering what bikes would you recommend for under $400? I’ve been using my cousins bike (geared) and my friends and I have been doing 20+ miles on this bike path. It’s a flat surface with only 1 hills that is not steep. The bike could be single/fixed or even gears. All are welcome, thanks!
Edit: I was wondering the Retrospec Harper single gear because it’s cheap and around my price range but I don’t know if they are good ride for 20+ miles.
Edit: I was wondering the Retrospec Harper single gear because it’s cheap and around my price range but I don’t know if they are good ride for 20+ miles.
https://www.statebicycle.com/collect...30-steel-bikes
Last edited by jay4usc; 10-07-20 at 10:37 PM.
Likes For rebel1916:
#13
Very Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Always on the Run
Posts: 1,211
Bikes: Giant Quasar & Fuji Roubaix
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 413 Post(s)
Liked 343 Times
in
244 Posts
You might find something on Bikes Direct. Google it. They have some good bikes in that price range. The site is kind of a toy store for adults, but lots of us older folks buy bikes there. Ignore the sarcasm from the snobs. Some of us just want to get out and ride, not show off. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Likes For Bigbus:
#14
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 6,625
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3889 Post(s)
Liked 6,488 Times
in
3,211 Posts
Well, yeah.
It's only tretubi, but it's f'n rad.
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bi...209012506.html
Looked like a lot of vintage mid-level mid-sized road bikes under $200 on Boston craigs. My search:
suntour | campy | campagnolo | italian | italy | columbus | 531 | tange | ishiwata | motobecane | dura | lugs | champion | grand | cinelli | reynolds | 700 | 700c | miyata | mavic
It's only tretubi, but it's f'n rad.
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bi...209012506.html
Looked like a lot of vintage mid-level mid-sized road bikes under $200 on Boston craigs. My search:
suntour | campy | campagnolo | italian | italy | columbus | 531 | tange | ishiwata | motobecane | dura | lugs | champion | grand | cinelli | reynolds | 700 | 700c | miyata | mavic
#15
Junior Member
Fuji & Marin have some options
Take a look at the Fuji Absolute or the Marin Fairfax. Both are decent hybrids from respectable brands for less than $450.
Likes For suttonjp:
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,491
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7652 Post(s)
Liked 3,478 Times
in
1,836 Posts
Massachusetts has a lot of hills .... if you ever want to get off the bike path you will definitely want some gears. Western Mass has some actual mountains.
If all you really want to do is ride the same bike path over and over, a $100 single-speed from Walmart or Anywhere will be fine. On a flat path with only one small hill, no need for complexity. Save the other $300 so that when you finally amass $600-$800 you can get a bike from BikesDirect with a proper 50-34 crank and 11-32 or 11-34 cassette. It will be a while until there are many bikes in stock so no hurry.
Seriously, Anyone can build a cheap single-speed bike which will survive gentle use. No need to buy a brand-name bike when 90 percent of what you will be buying is the brand name.
Go used if and only if you know someone who really knows bikes---nothing hurts like getting all excited, getting your new used bike home, and finding out it has tons of terminal issues. If you can shop with someone who can tell whether a bike works or how much it might cost to get it working, then used is your best bet---particularly since you are willing to ride single-speed. If the derailleurs don't work, just jam them in the desired gear with the set screws and ride away.
of course, if you buy used, you will probably need minimum $100 for new tires and tubes, cables, maybe brake shoes, and probably a chain .... but since you can basically ride any bike that fits, you have a lot of options.
If all you really want to do is ride the same bike path over and over, a $100 single-speed from Walmart or Anywhere will be fine. On a flat path with only one small hill, no need for complexity. Save the other $300 so that when you finally amass $600-$800 you can get a bike from BikesDirect with a proper 50-34 crank and 11-32 or 11-34 cassette. It will be a while until there are many bikes in stock so no hurry.
Seriously, Anyone can build a cheap single-speed bike which will survive gentle use. No need to buy a brand-name bike when 90 percent of what you will be buying is the brand name.
Go used if and only if you know someone who really knows bikes---nothing hurts like getting all excited, getting your new used bike home, and finding out it has tons of terminal issues. If you can shop with someone who can tell whether a bike works or how much it might cost to get it working, then used is your best bet---particularly since you are willing to ride single-speed. If the derailleurs don't work, just jam them in the desired gear with the set screws and ride away.
of course, if you buy used, you will probably need minimum $100 for new tires and tubes, cables, maybe brake shoes, and probably a chain .... but since you can basically ride any bike that fits, you have a lot of options.
Likes For Maelochs:
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Thornhill, Canada
Posts: 754
Bikes: United Motocross BMX, Specialized Langster, Giant OCR, Marin Muirwoods, Globe Roll2, VROD:)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 238 Post(s)
Liked 405 Times
in
246 Posts
I have a few geared bikes (Road and Hybrid) but my favorite is my Single Speed especially under the right conditions. ie. relatively flat terrain and little head wind.
The ride is more enjoyable not having to think about shifting gears and hearing the chatter of the drive train.....
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Valley Forge: Birthplace of Freedom
Posts: 1,299
Bikes: Novara Safari, CAAD9, WABI Classic, WABI Thunder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 366 Post(s)
Liked 457 Times
in
240 Posts
Look up KevCentral on Youtube.
__________________
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
#21
Senior Member
I'd rather have a bike with gears.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: The Urban Shores Of Michigami
Posts: 1,749
Bikes: ........................................ .....Holdsworth "Special"..... .......Falcon "Special".......... .........Miyata 912........... ........................................
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 702 Post(s)
Liked 672 Times
in
420 Posts
Hello y’all, new to cycling and was wondering what bikes would you recommend for under $400? I’ve been using my cousins bike (geared) and my friends and I have been doing 20+ miles on this bike path. It’s a flat surface with only 1 hills that is not steep. The bike could be single/fixed or even gears. All are welcome, thanks!
Edit: I was wondering the Retrospec Harper single gear because it’s cheap and around my price range but I don’t know if they are good ride for 20+ miles.
Edit: I was wondering the Retrospec Harper single gear because it’s cheap and around my price range but I don’t know if they are good ride for 20+ miles.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Memphis 10
Posts: 193
Bikes: 2021 Canyon Endurace SL8, 2019 Cannondale Topstone Sora, 2002 Giant Yukon
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 34 Post(s)
Liked 148 Times
in
57 Posts
Used may be an option or see if you can find something at Dicks sporting Goods they usually have someone who tries to be a Bike mechanic unlike Walmart or Target.also at that price point skip all types of suspension it will perform poorly and just add weight.
Hello y’all, new to cycling and was wondering what bikes would you recommend for under $400? I’ve been using my cousins bike (geared) and my friends and I have been doing 20+ miles on this bike path. It’s a flat surface with only 1 hills that is not steep. The bike could be single/fixed or even gears. All are welcome, thanks!
Edit: I was wondering the Retrospec Harper single gear because it’s cheap and around my price range but I don’t know if they are good ride for 20+ miles.
Edit: I was wondering the Retrospec Harper single gear because it’s cheap and around my price range but I don’t know if they are good ride for 20+ miles.
#24
n00b
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1,397
Bikes: Surly Karate Monkey, Twin Six Standard Rando
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 428 Post(s)
Liked 466 Times
in
273 Posts
<$500 is mostly used bike or a really cheesy department store bike. you will not find many new bikes in a bike shop that are worth much more than a neighborhood casual cruiser for that price. if you need something that cheap, a singlespeed might be best because the shifting drivetrain components at the price range are very flimsy.
more importantly, the covid-induced bike boom made all bicycles disappear fast with no ETA on new bikes, and the cheapest bikes were the first to go.
more importantly, the covid-induced bike boom made all bicycles disappear fast with no ETA on new bikes, and the cheapest bikes were the first to go.
#25
jj
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 331
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 140 Post(s)
Liked 110 Times
in
78 Posts
My experience riding in MA was on tons of awfully rough pavement.
bikes direct Mercier Kilo WT is good for something new.
but anything with wide slick tires is going to be way nicer than a regular road bike.
Maybe check your Local Bike Shops for used bikes- they might work with you on an old mountain bike and some nice new slicks to put on it.
bikes direct Mercier Kilo WT is good for something new.
but anything with wide slick tires is going to be way nicer than a regular road bike.
Maybe check your Local Bike Shops for used bikes- they might work with you on an old mountain bike and some nice new slicks to put on it.